12 Colors Designers Wish They Could Just Stop Using

While any pro designer will work hard to make the palette you really want work in a space, they admit there are a few shades they'll do their best to talk you out of. We'll be the first to admit some of their lesser-loved hues surprised us a bit.

1 of 12

Getty

Pale Green

Even though this color might look pretty on the paint chip, interior designer Francesco Bilotto says it never reads as well on walls — and he says the same is true for other statement pieces, like window treatments or on upholstery. Also, if you're worried about how ~you~ look in your space, take note: "Very few complexions look good against this colors," he points out.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2 of 12

Getty

Blue

Sometimes designers simply avoid a color for personal reasons, which is the case for Susan Niblo of Susan M. Niblo Interior Design. "I grew up in a house where every square inch was blue, and I just can't do it!" But when clients request this color, she learns to deal, and often recommends using it through accessories versus a full wall.

Though Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design believes any color can be beautiful in the right capacity, she's least drawn to saturated warm shades like safety orange, burnt umber and goldenrod yellow. "These colors have always seemed a bit heavy and dated to me," she says.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5 of 12

Getty

Tangerine

Another hit against the orange family. When it comes to decorating, CeCe Barfield of CeCe Barfield Inc. says she tries to use hues that work well with the complexions of the people that live there, which is why she steers clear from tangerine. "This particular color rarely complements anyone," she says.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

6 of 12

Getty

Beige

Even though people pick this neutral because they assume it works with just about any space, Linda Merrill, owner of Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings, doesn't find that to be true. "The undertones are so difficult to work with and usually clash with the room's tile, flooring and more."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7 of 12

Getty

Gray

Like beige, this neutral can be tricky when you're creating a color palette, warns Merrill, but her biggest grievance is that she's seen this color all over the place the past few years: "It's just so overdone." In case you're wondering, these are the other colors you're about to see dominate home decor.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

8 of 12

Getty

Gold

Also on Merrill's avoid list: gold. She notes it's not as popular these days, but when it is used, it isn't very inviting. "[Gold] is very harsh on walls," she says. Instead, use this metallic for accessories or hardware.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9 of 12

Getty

Lollipop Pink

Who hasn't heard about "millennial pink" at this point? Annette English of Annette English & Associates says she knows this color is very of-the-moment, but that doesn't make her like it any more. "The only shades of pink I can tolerate are fuchsia and coral; anything else I find a bit abrasive," she says.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10 of 12

Getty

Purple

Plum, violet and any other shade of purple is also on English's do-not-use list. "I just don't think purple is a timeless color," she says. "It's harsh, finicky and very hard to pair with other colors in a seamless way." But if you adore this color, don't give it up jus yet: It does represent creativity and spirituality, which doesn't sound all that bad.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11 of 12

Getty

Yellow

"Most shades of yellow feel so draining to me, like a faded version of something that used to be fantastic," says Julie Ransopher Baker of Julie & Company. "I've seen many clients try this color only to be disappointed." If you insist on going this bright route, Ransopher says to use it in small, vibrant places, like your front door.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

12 of 12

Getty

Fluorescent Anything

"I lean away from florescent pink, yellow and orange, which just feel like they radiate straight to your brain," says Joe Human of Designs by Human. "Plus, ultra bright colors can become dated so quickly." If you love lots of color, Human recommends going for a more muted version, like blush or dusty rose instead of neon pink.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
House Beautiful participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.